Himilce Novas

Who is Himilce Novas?

Himilce Novas is a novelist, historian, journalist and human rights activist.

Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1960 her family fled to the United States. Novas was educated in New York City, where she has spent most of her life.

Novas’ career spans several decades and encompasses works of fiction and non-fiction. Her published work includes poetry, plays, novels, reference books, and a cookbook about Latin American cuisine. She began her writing career as a teenager, when Nobel Prize laureate Camilo Jose Cela published her poems in his literary journal, Papeles de son Armadans. Later, she worked as a journalist, magazine editor and publicist for Vanidades, The New York Times, The Connoisseur, The Christian Science Monitor, and other publications.

As a human rights activist, Novas was an early member of the National Organization for Women. She continues to work on behalf of women and those in the GBLT community and was featured in the book Feminists Who Changed America, 1963-1975. She has served on the Board of Veteran Feminists of America.

In 2011, Himilce Novas was the recipient of a National Women's Political Caucus “Women of Courage” Award. Among Other 2011 eight other recipients included Representative Nancy Pelosi, past Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman and Ambassador Mary Olmsted. The National Women's Political Caucus established the NWPC Women of Courage awards to honor women from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated courage by taking a stand on or against unpopular or controversial issues to further civil rights and equality, and who typify women’s leadership.